John O’Connor announced as new Chairman of the European Breeders’ Fund

Wed 26 Apr 2023

John O’Connor is the new Chairman of the European Breeders’ Fund. In the EBF’s 40th year of operation O’Connor takes over from Philip Freedman who served two terms as Chairman. Ballylinch Studs’ O’Connor has previously been Chairman of the Irish EBF and the ITBA.

The British and Irish EBF have recently announced record spends on prize money in 2023 with both funds committing over €2,000,000 each with the focus on the two year old programme and fillies’ races. The Irish EBF Ballyhane 2yo stakes at Naas in August will pay out over €200,000 and the British EBF 2yo finals at Goodwood and York are both worth £100,000; the Criterium FEE is worth €130,000 at Deauville in August. The FEE (French EBF) will support prize money with over €1,000,000 in 2023.

O’Connor said:

“I am delighted to take on the Chairmanship of the EBF in its’ 40th year. The EBF plays a significant role in supporting the racing industry at many levels. Due to the calibre of stallions that now stand in Europe and through the commitment of stallion farms large and small, the EBF contributes more to prize money than ever at a time when it is of crucial importance with costs rising rapidly for all participants in racing. I will aim to continue and build on the excellent work of my predecessor Philip Freedman and I look forward to working with Kerry Murphy and the team”.